South Korea has long been a top destination for those looking to teach English abroad. With its rich culture, modern cities, and strong demand for English education, the country offers numerous opportunities for teachers. Whether you are a certified teacher or just starting out, several programs can help you secure a position. Below are some of the most popular programs available for teaching English in South Korea.

1. EPIK (English Program in Korea)

The English Program in Korea (EPIK) is one of the most well-known and widely used government-sponsored programs for placing English teachers in public schools. The program is run by the Korean Ministry of Education and aims to improve the English proficiency of Korean students by bringing native speakers into classrooms.

Key Features of EPIK:

• Placement in public schools across South Korea

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

• Free furnished housing

• Settlement allowance and severance pay

• Paid vacation (typically 18-26 days per year)

• Comprehensive orientation and training

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (any field, though English or Education degrees are preferred)

• TEFL/TESOL certification (for applicants without teaching experience)

• Citizenship from an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.)

• Clean criminal background check

2. GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea)

GEPIK is a regional program that places teachers in public schools within Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul. While it was once separate from EPIK, it has now been integrated into the EPIK system.

Key Features of GEPIK:

• Teaching placements exclusively in Gyeonggi Province

• Similar benefits to EPIK (salary, housing, vacation, etc.)

• Greater opportunities for placements near Seoul

Requirements:

• Similar to EPIK, including a bachelor’s degree and TEFL/TESOL certification

3. SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education)

The SMOE program specifically hires teachers for public schools in Seoul. Due to the city’s popularity, these positions are highly competitive.

Key Features of SMOE:

• Placement in public schools in Seoul

• Benefits similar to EPIK, with competitive salaries

• Ideal for teachers looking to live in a large, metropolitan city

Requirements:

• Similar to EPIK, but preference is often given to applicants with prior teaching experience

4. Hagwons (Private English Academies)

Hagwons are private language academies where students attend after their regular school hours. These positions offer an alternative to public school teaching and have different work schedules and benefits.

Key Features of Hagwons:

• Evening and weekend work schedules

• Typically smaller class sizes than public schools

• Salaries and benefits vary by academy

• More flexibility in hiring throughout the year

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree

• TEFL/TESOL certification (preferred but not always required)

• No teaching license required

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a program, consider the following factors:

• Location: Do you prefer a bustling city like Seoul, or a quieter rural area?

• Work Schedule: Public schools offer daytime hours, while hagwons often have evening classes.

• Benefits & Salary: EPIK and other public school programs offer more stability, while hagwons may provide higher salaries but less job security.

• Job Availability: Hagwons hire year-round, whereas public school programs have specific intake periods (usually spring and fall).

Final Thoughts

Teaching English in South Korea is a rewarding experience, offering financial benefits, cultural immersion, and professional growth. Whether you choose a government-sponsored program like EPIK or a private hagwon, South Korea has ample opportunities for passionate educators looking to make a difference. Teaching Nomad can assist with the authentication of the required documents and submitting your visa application, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.

If you’re interested, start your application process early, gather the necessary documents, and prepare for an exciting journey abroad! 

Hello, global adventurer! Have you ever felt that thrilling pulse at the idea of packing your bags and immersing yourself in a new culture, all while making a profound impact? Well, becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher might just be your ticket to that unforgettable journey!

Who Is an ESL Teacher?

At its heart, an ESL teacher is more than just an instructor – they are gatekeepers to the world.

“Teaching English abroad isn’t just about grammar and textbooks. It’s about expanding horizons, both yours and your students’, and opening doors that lead to mutual understanding and respect,” says Jamie, who taught English in Vietnam.

ESL teachers help students from non-English-speaking backgrounds learn the nuances of English enabling them to live, work, and thrive in an English-speaking environment. This role is crucial in today’s globalized world, where English is often the lingua franca in international business, education, and digital communication.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

To embark on this enriching path, most starting points include having a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. While a degree in education or English can be advantageous, it’s your certification that really prepares you for the classroom dynamics and teaching specifics.

But let’s not forget, it’s also about the soft skills! Being adaptable, patient, and culturally sensitive are key traits of a successful ESL teacher. Every classroom overseas comes with its own set of challenges and cultural nuances, and your ability to navigate these with empathy and enthusiasm will make all the difference.

Where Can This Path Take You?

The world is literally your classroom! From the bustling cities of Japan to the historic landscapes of Italy, ESL teachers are in demand worldwide. Schools, businesses, and private students all seek the expertise of skilled educators. Added to this is the flexibility of contract terms, which can range from a few months to several years – you choose what suits your adventurous spirit best!

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges. Adapting to local customs, learning a new language, and finding your community might seem daunting at first.

But as Emma, who taught in South Korea, shares, “The initial challenge is part of the adventure. I learned so much about myself, made friends from around the world, and even picked up Korean! The support from fellow ESL teachers was invaluable!”

And remember, you’re not alone in this. With organizations like Teaching Nomad, you have a constant companion guiding you through visa processes, job placements, and cultural training. We’re here to ensure that when you step into your new role, you feel prepared, supported, and excited!

Hello, adventurous souls and curious minds! Are you pondering whether ESL teachers are still sought after in this vast, ever-changing world? Well, my friends, the answer is a resounding yes—and let me tell you, the journey is just as vibrant and fulfilling as ever.

In our interconnected globe, the thirst for learning English has not diminished; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. As we finish off 2024, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers across various countries is not just steadfast—it’s soaring! A recent report reveals a significant continued recovery for the ELT sector in 2023, highlighting a robust demand for ESL teachers worldwide.

Why the Demand for ESL Teachers Persists

First, let’s delve into what’s fueling this demand. In many countries, English is not just another subject—it’s seen as a gateway to opportunity. From business and tourism to international relations, English serves as a crucial lingua franca. This ongoing recovery in the ELT sector underscores the essential role of English language education in global communication and economic activities.

“Teaching abroad opened up so many doors for me. Not only did I discover a new culture, but I also gave my students the key to a world of opportunities,” shares Alex, one of our globe-trotting teachers.

A Look Ahead: 2024-2025’s Policy Headwinds

While 2023 continued to be a year of growth and opportunities for ESL educators, it’s essential to stay aware of the policy headwinds of 2024 into 2025. These policy changes could impact visa regulations, teacher qualifications, and even job availability in certain regions. As the ELT sector adapts to these shifts, it’s more important than ever for ESL teachers to remain informed and flexible, preparing for evolving employment landscapes around the globe.

Embracing the Challenges

Of course, one mustn’t overlook that this journey comes with its own set of twists and turns. Navigating a new educational system, learning the local lingo, and adapting to a unique lifestyle are part and parcel of the adventure. But fret not—with Teaching Nomad, you’ve got companionship and support every step of the way.

The Role of Certification

Ready to take the leap? The key is proper certification. A TEFL or CELTA certificate can unlock doors and boost your credentials, no matter where your compass points you. And remember, some regions may have specific requirements, but that’s where our expertise comes in handy.

A Final Note of Encouragement

“To anyone considering teaching ESL abroad: do it,” says Mike, who’s now on his third year teaching in Vietnam. “The demand is high, the experiences are rich, and the support you get from Teaching Nomad is golden.”

So, are you ready to join the ranks of fulfilled ESL teachers around the globe? If your heart says yes, then it’s time to embrace the demand and start your own narrative. Connect with us at Teaching Nomad, and let’s chart a course to your next great adventure!

Remember, the demand for ESL teachers is not just a moment, it’s a movement. And we can’t wait to help you become a part of it. Happy teaching and safe travels, nomads!

Curious about taking your first step into teaching ESL abroad? Get in touch with us at Teaching Nomad for personalized advice, job placement assistance, and stories from teachers who’ve lived to tell the tale!

Hello, adventurous educators! It’s an exciting time in your teaching journey when you’re considering taking your skills abroad. Whether you’re a seasoned educator looking for a new challenge or a fresh graduate eager to explore the world while making a difference, the international teaching market offers a wide array of opportunities. But how do you stand out in this global landscape? Let’s delve into some practical tips and tricks to make your application shine and ace those interviews! 

Tailoring Your Resume for International Teaching Jobs 

Your resume is often the first introduction a potential employer has to you, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. Highlight your teaching experience, qualifications, and any specialized training that sets you apart. Here’s 3 resume top tips: 

1. Make it concise – no longer than 2 pages 
2. Use canva.com for great free resume templates 
3. Include dates and locations of employment for all of your previous positions and current position 

Showcasing Your Suitability in Interviews 

Interviews are your chance to demonstrate not only your teaching skills but also your cultural competence and adaptability. In a global teaching market, schools are looking for educators who can effortlessly integrate into new cultures. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching abroad, and don’t shy away from sharing experiences that highlight your adaptability. If it is a virtual interview, in advance of the interview be sure to check your internet connection, video, microphone and that you have a quite dedicated area/room where you will be alone and in private to conduct the interview. In your preparations also check out the school’s website so it is clear to the person conducting the interview that you know about your potential new employer and that you are serious about the role. Whereas many websites do not include the name of the employer, we at Teaching Nomad provide full employer profiles for every role so you can make applications and prepare for interview fully informed and ready to go! 

Marketing Your Skills in a Global Teaching Market 

In today’s interconnected world, digital platforms can be your best friend when it comes to marketing your skills. Build an online teaching portfolio showcasing your work and accomplishments. Use platforms like LinkedIn or professional teaching networks to connect with educators and schools around the world. As Maria, another satisfied candidate, notes, “Networking is key! Joining professional teaching groups and connecting with international educators can open up a world of opportunities.” 

At Teaching Nomad, we understand the unique challenges and exciting opportunities that come with teaching abroad. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from polishing your resume to acing those interviews, and finally, supporting your transition to a new country and culture. The adventure of teaching abroad awaits, and we’re here to make sure you’re well-equipped to embark on this journey. 

Remember, standing out as a candidate for international teaching jobs isn’t just about your qualifications; it’s about showing your passion for teaching, your adaptability, and your willingness to embrace new cultures. With the right approach and support, you can make your mark in the global teaching market and embark on a fulfilling and enriching international teaching experience. 

Are you ready to take the leap? Let’s make your international teaching dreams a reality! 

Embarking on the journey to become an educator doesn’t always mean you have to follow the traditional path paved with a degree in education. With the world of teaching opening up through various avenues, we at Teaching Nomad, now excitedly introducing HelloSubs, are here to guide you through your eclectic adventure into teaching. Let’s explore the five compelling reasons why you shouldn’t feel compelled to get a degree in education and consider the vibrant alternatives waiting for you.

1. Bypass an Additional Four Years of College

If you’re already the proud holder of a bachelor’s degree, stepping back into the realm of undergrad to snag another degree in education isn’t a necessity. Our world is teeming with alternative pathways including substitute teaching (cheerfully helmed by HelloSubs), teachings overseas, and emergency teaching roles that welcome a myriad of academic backgrounds. With certain areas screaming for experts in high-demand subjects like math or science, stepping into teaching has never been more accessible — no education degree required.

2. Time and Money Savings with Immediate Benefits

Traditional paths towards an education degree can be a costly affair, both in time and tuition, often coupled with unpaid stints. We shed light on efficient alternatives that drastically cut both costs and time, including programs that allow you to “earn while you learn”. Why wait years when you can start teaching, and earning, with just a few strategic steps towards certification?

3. Flexibility to Fit Your Lifestyle

The journey to becoming an educator through unconventional routes gifts you unmatched flexibility. Whether it’s blending online courses with your current commitments or diving into training programs that sync with real teaching experiences, these avenues are crafted to fit snugly into your life, not upend it.

4. Confidence and Longevity in Your Teaching Career

Our friends who’ve taken these alternate roads share a familiar chorus: their diverse experiences have not only enriched their teaching but also solidified their commitment to education. With a significant percentage remaining in education longer than their traditionally trained counterparts, it’s clear that confidence and fulfilment come hand in hand with experience.

5. Championing Diversity in Education

Imagine a learning environment ripe with teachers from all walks of life, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the table. This is the vibrant future schools aim for by embracing alternative pathways into teaching. You have the power to be part of that diversity, bringing fresh insights and enriching the educational tapestry with your unique story.

HelloSubs: Your Gateway into Teaching

Feeling intrigued but not sure where to start? HelloSubs is your new best friend in exploring the landscape of substitute teaching opportunities. With an easy registration process and access to a wide range of positions, we’re here to support your initial steps into the enriching world of teaching. “I never realized how my background in engineering could contribute to a classroom until I stepped into my role as a substitute teacher through HelloSubs. It was the start I needed towards a career I now love,” shares Alex, one of the many who’ve found their calling with our guidance.

In embracing teaching through these alternative routes, you’re not just choosing a career. You’re embarking on a journey filled with growth, challenges, and the joy of impacting lives. With Teaching Nomad and HelloSubs by your side, the path less traveled is not only possible but paved with support and encouragement at every turn. Here’s to your adventure in teaching — unconventional, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.

Hiring the right teachers for your school is probably the most important task a principal has. Before hiring a candidate, you need to find out how well they’ll fit into the culture of your school as well as the area you’re based in. This can be difficult in a short interview but asking the right questions can make all the difference.

If you don’t ask questions that will give you insight into how the teacher will fit in and behave at your school, you risk hiring people who will cause problems with other staff members and give your school a bad reputation. However, you also need to mix these questions in with ones revolving around their skills and teaching style to ensure that they’re properly qualified for your position.

Foreign teacher interview guide

Culture and language barrier questions

How do you handle culture and language-related challenges in the workplace?

Variations:

If they have taught overseas before: Please give me an example of a time where you had to overcome cultural and language differences while living and working abroad.

If they haven’t taught overseas before: Tell me about a time when you helped someone who didn’t speak English. What did they need help with, and how did you help them?

How have you prepared yourself for the cultural differences you’re going to experience in your new school?

Variations:

If they have taught overseas before: Tell me about a time you experienced culture shock in an overseas workplace. How did you prepare for and handle that type of feeling?

If they haven’t taught overseas before: Tell me how you plan on handling cultural differences between yourself and your future students and coworkers.

Classroom management skill questions

Can you provide examples of how you have dealt with classroom management challenges in the past?

Variations:

If they have taught overseas before: How have you had to adapt your classroom management strategies abroad?

If they haven’t taught overseas before: How do you reward students who are behaving well and doing their work? How do you deal with students who are rowdy and aren’t listening?

Problem solver/starter questions

Can you provide examples of how you have dealt with problems with coworkers in the past? (Especially problems that arose between people of different backgrounds.)

Variations:

If they have taught overseas before: Have you ever experienced problems with coworkers while teaching abroad? What were they and how did you fix them?

If they haven’t taught overseas before: Tell me about a time where you and a coworker did not get along. Why did this happen, and how did it get resolved?

If they haven’t ever taught before: How do you see yourself managing student behavior in your classroom? Use examples of times you’ve had to discipline or reward others for their behavior.

Motivation questions

What are your reasons for wanting to teach abroad and why did you choose this school and this location?

Variations:

If they have taught overseas before: What made you decide to teach abroad initially? Why are you changing schools?

If they haven’t taught overseas before: Why have you decided to move abroad to teach? Why do you think you’ll be a good fit at our school?

Why asking these questions is important

These questions deal with culture fit and emotional intelligence; whenever necessary, ask the candidate to provide examples to support their answers.  Of course, you’ll still want to include questions specific to subject matter and teaching techniques relevant to the age group and subjects they teach.

You’ll be able to find out what the teacher’s intentions are, how long they might want to stay at your school, and how they will deal with the change in culture.

There are many people out there who want to teach abroad, but not all of them are teachers that you’d want in your school.

Get in touch with us if you need help hiring great teachers for your school, and we’ll be happy to discuss our services!

Chances are when hiring a teacher, you’ve already made a series of snap judgments about them; only looked at candidates similar to yourself; compared them to other candidates in a way that’s not helpful; or focused too heavily on one small detail.

Tips for reducing bias in the hiring process

We know the saying ‘trust your gut’, but even this can lead to biased hiring decisions as it is effectively telling recruiters to listen to their implicit bias as opposed to actual candidate quality. So how can we change the way we review, interview, and hire candidates to minimize the impact of implicit bias?

1. Expand where you post jobs

By only posting a position on one job board or in one place, it limits the number of people who have access to the position. This hinders the number of diverse applicants who could respond to it. Posting available positions in multiple places can allow a wider variety of people to see it.

2. Remove bias in job descriptions

Create clear, precise, and unbiased requirements in the job description that would not discriminate against people of a certain group. As an international recruitment agency, it’s a common thing to see in job descriptions requirements like ‘neutral accent preferred’ or ‘US applicants only’.

However, this sort of language hinders a school’s chance at hiring teachers with multiple accents and backgrounds. After all, in the real world, students will encounter many people with many different accents, therefore it’s beneficial for them to be exposed to a variety of accents and backgrounds.

3. Use a standardized interview scorecard

When interviewing a candidate, it can be a good tool to have a standardized scorecard. The Harvard Business Bureau created a scorecard to use on every candidate, which helps combat instances of the halo/horn effect. This can also help later on when the interviewer sits down to reflect on the chat.

4. Conduct several interviews and use multiple interviewers

Most people form a first impression with someone within 15 seconds of meeting them. We also latch on to the affinity bias in wanting to hire people who are like us. Holding multiple interviews with different interviewers allows an organization to have different experiences with the candidate – and this way, the interviewee is not just looked at through one singular viewpoint.

5. Standardize interview questions

Think about the way interview questions are worded and rephrase them to be as clear and standard as possible.

Instead of asking ‘tell me about a time when…’ which could put less experienced candidates on the spot with having to think about something that may/may not have happened to them, rephrase it by saying ‘what would you do in this situation?’.

This allows them to think about a hypothetical situation instead of having to reflect on a personal experience. Always make sure that you’re asking every candidate the same questions.

6. Training your hiring staff on reducing bias

The best way to change our habits and grow personally and professionally is through continuous learning. It’s important to have this conversation in the workplace and consider training your staff, especially your recruiters, about how to recognize and address implicit biases during the hiring process and beyond.

At the end of the day, we’re all human and subject to making mistakes. However, it’s important to recognize those mistakes, learn how to address and fix them, and grow into better educators and hiring managers. It’s up to us to not only make the hiring process a more inclusive, open experience, but also create a more diverse and inclusive school, staff, and future.

If your school needs help recruiting teachers, you can learn more about our international teacher recruitment service here or our U.S. teacher recruitment service here. Please reach out with any questions!

Hiring teachers for your school is an important and sometimes difficult task. The process can be long and daunting when you have to look over qualifications, call references, and conduct criminal record checks. Oftentimes, with all of this on the hiring to-do list, the idea of inclusive hiring is left behind.

No matter how open-minded and accepting one might aim to be, the hiring process is fraught with bias. As HR professionals, we have a responsibility to think about our own biases when it comes to how we hire teachers and reflect on how we review and interview candidates.

Hiring the right candidate for your school is an important, yet challenging process. We want teachers who can fit into an established culture and produce learning results, all while being a good role model for students.

After all, who we hire has a direct impact on the growth, development, and results of our school and students. We want our school to have the best teachers possible, but also be full of diverse thoughts, opinions, ideas, and people.

As a hiring manager or recruiter, it may be easy to look at one’s qualifications (experience, references, education) and decide who may or may not be a good fit. However, you might not realize that biases are influencing the way that you review and hire applicants.

Explicit bias: These are intentional biases. We are in control and consciously aware of them.

Example: “I won’t hire people of a certain religion.”

Implicit bias: These are unintentional biases. They exist sub-consciously, and we are unaware of them.

Example: A hiring manager with a preference for hiring candidates of one race over another without realizing it.

Understanding implicit bias

To make the hiring process more inclusive, it’s important to recognize those subconscious biases and take action. Implicit biases are learned stereotypes that you develop over time from the world we live in. There are many different varieties of implicit bias. These include:

• First Impressions Bias: This occurs when an interviewer makes a snap judgment about a candidate within seconds of meeting them.
• Affinity Bias: This is the tendency to want to work with someone we like, someone who is like us culturally, and someone who we can socialize with.
• Stereotype Bias: This occurs when the interviewer assumes a candidate has specific traits because they are a member of a certain group.
• Contrast Bias: This is the tendency to compare candidates to one other candidate.
• Gender Bias: This happens when there is an influence of gender on the assessment of candidates.
• Race Bias: This is the tendency to treat non-white candidates differently in interviews and assess them as less competent when the same qualifications are presented by white candidates.
• Halo Effect/Horn Effect: This can happen when you overly focus on one detail of a candidate’s background – college, hometown, work history, personal background, etc. The Halo Effect is when you focus on one positive detail while the Horn Effect is when you focus on one negative detail.

Understanding your own implicit biases is essential during your day-to-day life because recognizing a problem is the first step to being able to solve it. Bias recognition during the teacher hiring process is also incredibly important because you want to hire the best people for the job, no matter what. Next – learn how to reduce and hopefully remove bias in your school’s hiring process!